As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us will remember our grammar school days when our mothers and teachers had us exchange a Valentine with everyone in our class whether we could tolerate our classmate or not. Many a child struggled with sending the Valentine with just the right wording so that our classmates of the opposite sex would get the right message, and not the wrong message.

In the not-so-distant past, a Valentine was a very sweet little homemade or store-bought paper note just to make someone smile and show friendship, thoughtfulness or love. Valentines are a sweet and simple custom that senior citizens remember fondly from their youth and Valentine’s Day is a sweet time to show love for seniors.

To help you with ideas for your loved one on Valentine’s day. This year the senior center is offering several ideas:

• Monday: We are having a wind chime class where you can make your own wind chime. We are featuring heart shaped wind chimes that would make a great Valentine’s gift. Prices vary by size and design.

• Wednesday: Jewelry class. The teacher will help you make bracelets and/or earrings. There is a great selection of beads to choose from featuring many heart shaped options making it a great gift for Valentine’s day. Price is $10 to $12 for bracelets and $5 for earrings.

• You can also sign up for a Valentine cookie and card. The senior center is customizing Valentine’s cookies and cards for you to give on Valentine’s day. Place a message on your cookie or your loved ones name. The cost is $2.50 for a large heart cookie and card. Place your order today and pick it up around Feb. 14. Local delivery is available for an additional $1.

To register for these classes or order your Valentine’s cookie and card, stop by the front desk at the senior center, or call (507) 433-2370 ext. 0.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure checks, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.; chimes class, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; Movie, “Sweet Home Alabama,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; beading class, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Tuesday “500”

Jan. 3, four tables

1st Willard Ballantyne, 2nd Betty Fisher, 3rd Helen Broitzman, 4th Dorothy Stern

Tuesday Afternoon Bridge

Jan. 3, 4.5 tables

1st Bud Higgins, 1st Jim Fisher; 2nd John Allen, 2nd Arne Lang; 3rd Dave Solomonson, 3rd Lorraine Lippert; 4th Dick Hansen, 4th Larry Crowe.

Friday Bridge

Jan. 6, four tables

1st Connie Johnson, 2nd Betty Jorgenson, 3rd Judy Bungum, 4th Jaynard Johnson, 4th Larry Larson, 5th Mary Johnsen

Pinochle

1st Hilton Henschen, 1st Mildred Ballantyne, 1st Dorothy Schloo

Friday Cribbage

Jan. 6, one table

1st Mildred Ballantyne, 2nd Hilton Henschen, 3rd Jessie Swain, 4th Ray Waters

Weekly “500”

Jan. 6, five tables

1st Betty Fisher, 2nd Jerry Downing, 3rd Eddie Hall, 4th Willard Ballantyne

Weekly Cribbage

Jan. 4, four tables

1st Jessie Swain, 2nd Hilton Henschen, 3rd Quentin Fiala

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Chili con carne

Tuesday: Italian chicken

Wednesday: Beef pot roast

Thursday: Imitation crab salad

Friday: Onion smothered steak